Precious Metals E Waste Recovery Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Precious Metals E-Waste Recovery Market is accounted for $10.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $16.7 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Precious metals e-waste recovery involves extracting valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum from discarded electronic devices. This process begins with sorting and disassembling electronic waste to isolate components containing precious metals. Techniques such as chemical leaching, smelting, and electrolysis are then employed to extract the metals. Advanced technologies like hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy are utilized for efficient recovery while minimizing environmental impact. Recovered metals are refined to high purity levels and reintroduced into manufacturing processes, reducing the need for mining and conserving natural resources. E-waste recovery not only recovers valuable materials but also addresses environmental concerns associated with electronic waste disposal.

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Rising E-waste generation

The growing supply of e-waste creates opportunities for companies involved in precious metals e-waste recovery to expand their operations and increase their market share. With proper extraction and refining processes in place, companies can extract valuable metals from e-waste and generate revenue through sales of recovered materials. This expansion can lead to the development of new technologies, processes, and infrastructure to meet the rising demand for e-waste recycling services.

Restraint:

Complexity of E-waste

The complexity of e-waste poses technical challenges for recovery technologies. Different materials have varying physical and chemical properties, requiring tailored extraction and separation methods. Sorting, disassembly, and separation of different materials require specialized equipment and labor-intensive processes, leading to higher operational costs for e-waste recovery facilities. Developing and implementing effective technologies capable of handling the diverse nature of e-waste can be resource-intensive and time-consuming which hamper the growth of the market.

Opportunity:

Increasing awareness among consumers

As consumer awareness grows, there is a greater incentive for businesses to invest in e-waste recycling infrastructure, including collection centers, processing facilities, and recovery plants. Consumers are more likely to support businesses that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, including e-waste recycling and precious metals recovery, leading to broader adoption of sustainable practices within the market. This expansion improves accessibility to recycling services and enhances the efficiency of precious metals recovery operations.

Threat:

Complex global supply chains

Managing complex global supply chains involves various logistical challenges, including transportation, customs clearance, and coordination among multiple stakeholders. Variations in e-waste composition, handling practices, and regulatory standards may result in inconsistencies in material quality, affecting the performance and reliability of recovery processes. These complexities often result in higher operational costs, including shipping fees, tariffs, and administrative expenses, which can reduce profitability for e-waste recovery businesses.

Covid-19 Impact

Disruptions in supply chains, restrictions on movement, and economic downturns have affected the collection and processing of electronic waste. However, increased digital reliance during lockdowns has led to higher e-waste generation. Moreover, the pandemic has accelerated trends towards sustainable practices, potentially driving investment in e-waste recovery technologies. Overall, while short-term challenges persist, the long-term outlook for the precious metals e-waste recovery market remains positive, fueled by growing environmental consciousness and the need for resource conservation amid global recovery efforts.

The gold segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The gold segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, as gold is one of the most valuable metals found in electronic devices, contributing substantially to the economic viability of e-waste recovery. Its high market value incentivizes companies to invest in advanced recovery technologies to efficiently extract and refine gold from electronic waste. Moreover fluctuations in the price of gold directly influence the profitability of e-waste recovery operations. Higher gold prices can stimulate increased investment in recovery processes, leading to expansion in the precious metals e-waste recovery market.

The hydrometallurgical process segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The hydrometallurgical process segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, hydrometallurgical processes generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to pyrometallurgical methods like smelting, which release harmful emissions. As environmental regulations become stricter and consumer demand for sustainable practices rises, the adoption of hydrometallurgical processes becomes more attractive, positively influencing market growth.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the initiatives like Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and zero waste plan by several APAC countries are expected to increase awareness about recycling of e-waste. This is further expected to increase the regional market growth. The electronic waste recovery sector in the country is unorganized, and several small- and medium-sized companies are engaged in dismantling end-of-life products and selling them to giant electronic companies like Foxconn drive the growth of the market in this region.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to electronic waste generation in the region is increasing at a rapid pace, and thus, there is a need to recycle such waste and extract important materials from it. As per research by the University of Waterloo, electronic waste in Canada has increased to 25.3 kg in 2020 from 8.3 kg per person in 2000. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an agreement with the United Nations University in 2010 and 2015 to jointly work in the field of electronic waste recovery. The U.S. government has also announced the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship (NSES) to improve the management and recycling of electronic waste.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in the Precious Metals E-Waste Recovery Market include Sims Limited, Aurubis AG, Materion Corporation, Johnson Matthey Plc, Umicore NV, EnviroLeach Technologies, Boliden AB, All Green Recycling, Reldan, Metallix Refining Inc., Tanaka Precious Metals, Heraeus Holding GmbH, TES-AMM Pte. Ltd., DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd. And Ecr World Inc 

Key Developments:

In March 2024, Johnson Matthey Plc announces that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell 100% of its Medical Device Components business (MDC) to Montagu Private Equity (Montagu) for cash consideration of US$700 million (£550 million) on a cash free debt free basis.

In February 2024, Aurubis and Codelco drive innovation for sustainability in the copper industry: Working together for more metals from responsible production. Aurubis and Codelco drive innovation for sustainability in the copper industry: Working together for more metals from responsible production 

In June 2023, Sims Limited Launches Second RAP during National Reconciliation Week 2023. This plan further cements the company’s commitment to forming new commercial relationships with Indigenous-owned businesses and developing respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Types Covered:
• Palladium
• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Ruthenium
• Other Types

Electronic Waste Processes Covered:
• Mobile Phones
• Computers
• Printers
• Household Appliances
• Televisions
• Other Electronic Waste Processes

Technologies Covered:
• Hydrometallurgical Process
• Pyrometallurgical Process
• Electrolytic Recovery
• Chemical Precipitation
• Ion Exchange
• Solvent Extraction
• Biometallurgical Process
• Other Technologies

End Users Covered:
• Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing
• E-Waste Recycling Companies
• Government Agencies
• Individual Consumers
• Jewelry Manufacturing
• Medical Equipment Manufacturing
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances